AISA BHI KYA YAARON?
Rural Politicians, Bureaucratic Egos, Builder Complaints and a Chief Secretary’s Extension
1. THE NEW ELITE: NOW IT IS THE BUREAUCRACY’S TURN?
Gone are the days when being “elite” and looking down upon others was fashionable in politics. There was a time when MLAs from cities and supposedly more sophisticated towns looked down upon their counterparts from rural Maharashtra. The perception was that urban politicians were better informed, better connected and somehow more capable of handling the system. Well, times have changed. Maharashtra has seen some exceptionally capable politicians emerge from rural constituencies. In fact, many of these rural MLAs are today more powerful, resourceful, intelligent and effective than their supposedly more sophisticated counterparts. The old urban-versus-rural hierarchy is being challenged, and rightly so. But in the bureaucracy, I sometimes feel we are witnessing a reverse trend. We all know that the divide between direct-recruit IAS/IPS officers and promotee officers has existed for years. Promotee officers have often felt that their direct-recruit counterparts consider themselves a cut above the rest. Mano ya na mano, I have seen this attitude persist in different forms. But now, I wonder whether the hierarchy has acquired another dimension. There are officers from outside Maharashtra who, in my observation, appear to look down upon Marathi officers, whether direct recruits or promotee’s. The underlying attitude, at least in some cases, seems to be that they have come from a more developed or supposedly more sophisticated state and are here almost out of compulsion. Majboori mein Maharashtra aaye hain? Aisa bhi kya yaaron? Let me be clear: this is not about every non-Marathi officer. Maharashtra has had, and continues to have, outstanding officers from across India who serve the state with integrity, humility and commitment. The concern is about a certain attitude that some people in the system appear to display. If you have been selected for the civil services, surely you are expected to bring an open mind, constitutional values and professional respect to whichever state you are posted in. So where does this misplaced superiority come from? And before forming opinions about Maharashtra, its people, its politicians or even its food, does it hurt to understand the state you have come to serve? A little Google search might help, too! After all, Maharashtra does not need lessons in development, enterprise or governance from people who assume that their home state is automatically superior. And Yes, our food too, is the best!
2. MUMBAI MIRROR’S BABU TRAIL: A LITTLE MORE ART, PLEASE!
Mumbai Mirror has recently started carrying snippets about bureaucrats in its tailpiece section. The subject is interesting, and the format has potential. But I have one suggestion for the journalist behind these pieces: if the idea is to keep readers guessing, give us a few meaningful clues! Two weeks ago, there was a report about officers allegedly seeking a duplex home and a percentage linked to the recovery of money from someone. And just yesterday, another report spoke of complaints by four major Mumbai builders against a senior government officer, alleging excessive demands for bribes and preferential access to luxury apartments at deep discounts, with fears that approvals could be delayed if the demands were not met. These are serious allegations. They deserve more than whispers, speculation and an entertaining guessing game. If supported by evidence, they merit proper investigation and a clear response from the officer concerned. If the allegations cannot be substantiated, that too matters.
I would, however, make two observations.
First, I would be cautious about assuming that an IAS officer heading a corporation is necessarily the person involved in such allegations. Institutional roles, decision-making powers and individual conduct must be examined before drawing conclusions. No officer should be identified merely because a story appears to fit a particular posting.
Second, to the journalist writing these pieces: next time, give the story a little more thought in the way it is constructed. A carefully reported piece can provide enough context for informed readers to understand the issue without naming someone prematurely or leaving the entire exercise to rumour.
Believe me, the moment some of these stories appear, my WhatsApp is flooded with one question: “Who is it?” That tells me readers are interested. But curiosity is not the same as proof, and a name circulating in WhatsApp groups is certainly not evidence. Good journalism should make readers think, investigate and ask questions. It should not simply leave them playing a guessing game. A hint can create intrigue. Evidence creates credibility.
3. RAJESH AGARWAL’S EXTENSION: DELHI WILL HAVE THE FINAL WORD
Now to the question doing the rounds in bureaucratic circles: will Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal get an extension? Honestly, I do not have a definitive answer. Much will depend on the relevant administrative process, the government’s assessment and, where required, the decision taken at the Centre. There is always speculation about whether a senior officer is lobbying for an extension or whether the political leadership wants continuity at the top. But speculation is one thing; an actual decision is another. Even if the Chief Minister favours an extension, the necessary proposal and approvals would still have to move through the prescribed process. Whether that happens within a week, or takes longer, remains to be seen. So, for now, let us wait and watch.
But while we are discussing the next chapter in Maharashtra’s bureaucracy, keep one name in mind: Sanjay Sethi.
I am not suggesting that anything has been decided, nor am I making a prediction. I am simply saying that his name is worth remembering as this story unfolds. In Mumbai’s corridors of power, the real story often begins long before the official announcement. But until the decision is made, the rest is speculation.
AISA BHI KYA YAARON?
In politics, the old hierarchies are being challenged. In the bureaucracy, some attitudes may still need a reality check. In journalism, a good hint is useful, but evidence is indispensable. And in the race for the state’s top administrative chair, the final word will come when the decision is officially made.
Because in Maharashtra, the people may change, the postings may change, and the equations may change. But the questions never stop.
— Vikrant Meena Hemant Joshi
OFF THE RECORD
